A/N: Well, after having a very strange dream of Wesker and other freaky things and hearing from a old friend in this Resident evil Fan fiction universe, I knew it was time to finish this chapter. Heck, I should say finish this fic. If I don't, who knows will pay my dream world a visit... It would probably be Alfred... (shudders) Scary thought.
Resident Evil 4: A Twist In Reality
Chapter 36: A Meeting of Rivals and a Lesson on Lasors
Waking up and finding yourself back in the nightmare is one thing. Waking up and finding that the girls you're supposed to have protected was gone, is another. For these brave men and the young woman, it was yet another crippling blow. Time was against them, the mind puppets that Saddler controlled was against them, everything seemed against them. The question of what could possibly come next was on their minds, though none voiced it.
In silence, they brought their aching, bruised and battered bodies up to their feet, forcing fatique to the back of their minds. As they began to leave, Claire voiced her concern at last.
"How will we find them?"
Leon paused, before turning back around. "With this."
Smiling sadly, he took out his visual walki talkie, pressing a button on the side. The screen suddenly showed a dot blinking on the screen.
"I threw a tiny, radio beacon reciever on Sheila before Saddler did his number on me. The closer we are to her, the faster this dot blinks. It's not much, but it's better then nothing."
"It better do better then nothing." Chris murmured as he read the memo Saddler had left behind. "Da-n. Time is running out."
R
"What's the news on our friend, Leon?" Krauser casually asked as he kept tossing his blade up in the air.
Ada frowned, crossing her arms across her chest. "He's not making it easy. The sample?"
"Saddler's got it. It seems he's sniffed out our little game."
Ada didn't miss his amused yet accusing look he was casting her way. She smiled, unfazed by his statement.
"Perfect."
Krauser caught the blade in the air, then stood up as he abandoned his relaxed position. "Just so we understand each other, clearly. I don't trust you, nor does Wesker. If you try to do anything clever, I will kill you."
Like she hasn't heard that line before. How many times has it been now since she's been threatened or told that she wasn't trusted? Hm, lost count. By now, it was just all too boring to hear the enemies threats. Especially from Wesker's minions. If he only knew how long this cat and mouse game has been going on between herself and Albert Wesker. Then again, maybe he does.. Uh, no. Not this big ape. Excellent soldier? Yes. Evil, conniving genius? No.
"Is that so? You know, I met Wesker long before you."
"We'll see soon enough if you did."
Ada turned to leave, then paused as she smirked at the large man. "Yeah, we'll see."
Jack Krauser's scarred faced shifted in a murderous smirk. "Humph."
R
It was time to leave. The sky was still considerably dark in the early morning hours as the moon slowly began to set, dawn still some time off. But he preferred it that way. So many things could be done while other lesser beings slept the hours away. Of course, Wesker wasn't as arrogant to not remember that he was once a normal human being who needed rest. But even then, he managed to be sharp by only having four hours of sleep.
Wesker straighted up after completing his stretches, almost resembling a professional athlete just before the big game. He felt energized and alert, even a tiny bit giddy. A word that when put together with Albert Wesker, was completely weird and uncomfortable. But he just couldn't help but feel this way.
Today was the day. The day when he could enjoy not only watching a long, hard, bloody battle between his new toy and the meddling threesome, but to see the end of his most hated enemy, Chris Redfield. A blood curdling smile touched his thin, sculpted lips as pictures of the pig headed Redfield trying desperately save his darling sister from the boy she failed to save all those years ago. Many scenes of different ways of killing Chris danced around in his head like sugar plumbs in the Christmas poem. The minds of a psycho path are scary, trying to describe it in this fic is just plain insane!
Wesker's somewhat chipper mood was faintly seen on his outer exterior, but those who worked for this horrid man (or what's left of one) knew him well enough to be taken off guard by his new mood. At least he didn't decide to wear something other then his black attire;, that would have caused downright panic among the scientists and soldier populace.
Stepping into the empty elevator, Wesker looked down at his clothing. He deserted the black business suits that he has worn for so long, going back to his grass roots. Black jean pants, black steel toed boots that reflected the lights from the perfect polishing he gave them. A black tactical vest that molded tightly to his sculpted chest and abs. Staying fit has always been apart of his life, even as he entered his late forties, he ran at least ten or more miles a day. The T-virus has done a marvelous job in keeping him alert and from feeling the effects of the years passing by.
Over the shirt he had a tactical (black) vest, though he honestly didn't need it. As he grew older, the T-virus has developed his healing capabilities, increasing his speed and agility as well. Wesker chuckled, his red/orange eyes glittering with evil anticipation behind his trade mark black shades at a thought that popped into his all too evil brain. Chris would be finding it more difficult to pull his trade mark Redfield surprises. The fool would rue the day that he survived the mansion incident. His black gloved hands touched his large knife he kept in a sheth at his hip, the only thing that was a different color then black. Though dark Umber was close to the black color.
The elevator doors opened to the outside of the hidden base. Heath Cliff and two other young scientists surrounded the soldiers as they carefully led GV-23 toward the helicopter. All movement stopped when a guard announced Wesker's presence. The soldiers saluted, the scientists stood straight and nodded in his direction while the the experiment, Steve Burnside just stood there looking straight on, no recognition in those fathomless black eyes.
"As you were, men... Well, well, well. Today is a day of reunions, my boy." Wesker said, standing right before the tall young man. Their heights were exactly the same, allowing both to see eye to eye. Wesker removed his glasses, allowing the monster to see just who was the biggest one. The one in charge. "Reunions can be fun. Let's just hope that the pretty face will not distract you from your purpose. I've invested a lot of money in you."
"Don't worry sir, GV-23 won't let you down." Heath spoke up. He gulped when Wesker turned those inhuman eyes in his direction, clearly not appreciating the young scientist from speaking when not spoken too.
After a beat, Wesker put his shades back on. "Remember Cliff, if one glitch occurs, your life will be mine."
Heath slowly nodded. He never had any doubt about that.
"Load him up."
The soldiers quickly obeyed, leading the young man inside the large helicopter. The blades began to whirl as Wesker and two soldiers loaded the chopper. The door closed as the large whirly bird lifted up in the air, carrying two of the most dangerous monsters on earth. The question was, just who was more dangerous to the other? The intelligent, calculating Albert Wesker who had power, strength, and a money to kill the other without a single thought? Or was it the young man who's mind was only blank and under control because of a chip made by a arrogant, narcissist scientist?
R
Dispatching the pesky, Ganado soldiers was done with little effort. It seemed that it just wasn't the tiny band of heroes that were tired and aching.
Losing the girls again dampened their spirits. Hours of fighting for their lives and leaning on adrenaline was taking its tole both physically and emotionally. The subject of the medicine that Claire took would work in time to kill the parasite had again been put on the back burner, for the moment that is. Now, all that mattered was to make up for lost time after the confrontation with Saddler.
Little was said as they boarded the lift, though not of fearing of being heard by more enemies. Truth be told, the area now seemed deserted. Other then the small skirmish they had happened upon, any presence of more enemies wasn't there. Leon had holstered his Black-tail as well as Claire. Leon and Luis still had their handguns out, though their stance wasn't threatening in any way.
The lift came to a groaning stop to a more bright area lighted by the natural faining light of the moon as it slowly set. Leon barely noticed the light as he walked casually out on the metal railing floor, the others casually following from behind. The hairs on the nape of his neck stood on end. He stopped in his tracks, slowly reaching up to grab the hilt of his large knife. Someone was watching them. Luis's startled gasp had Leon turning around, knife out in a defensive gesture.
"Did you see that?"
"See wh-"
Chris's hand raised for silence, stopping Claire from finishing the question. The feeling of being stalked by something hostile caused dulling senses to suddenly be alert. Chris and Luis had their guns pointed up at the metal beams, as a noise here and there drew their attention. The silence was deafening. Then, their stalker made his presence known.
From the corner of Leon's eye, he saw a human blur launch itself toward him from above, the enemy letting out a predator's cry of pleasure as it came crushing down. Despite broken ribs and many wounds he's lost count of, Leon managed to roll out of the way just before the blade embedded itself in his chest. Instead, only his right cheek felt the combat knife's sting.
Guns were pointed at the large, mammoth of a man. Bullets were fired, but the human blur amazingly out maneuvered the deadly led. Chris flew back from a powerful round house kick to the gut, smacking hard against the lift. His weapon was dropped as he gasped for air. Luis received a headbutt, then was tossed over the railing. Claire managed to grab his hand before the unlucky Spaniard could fatally fall upon the hard concrete. She gasped as his hand slowly began to slip from her own. Her strength not on par to hold on to the dazed scientist.
All of this took less then six seconds, not allowing Leon the time or thought to help out his friends. He wiped the blood from his cheek, the blood flow already clotting from the slight scrape of broken flesh. His body was tense and alert as he crouched. Jack Krauser walked over to the blade that had been embedded in the metal crate like floor, easily dislodging it from the metal. Leon's blood dripped from the tip, barely spotting the ground.
"Been a long time, comrade."
Leon kept his knife ready, eyes and body so intense that it seemed that he wasn't surprised to see what was supposed to be a dead hero. The only thing that betrayed his shock was his voice.
"Krauser!"
Leon wasn't fooled by his nonchalant manner as he playfully tossed the knife up in the air, then catching it. Jack Krauser wasn't any ordinary soldier. The man was a legend. One that Leon once considered himself lucky to have met and known as both friend and competitor.
"I died in a crash two years ago. Is that what they told you?"
Krauser began to circle the agent, reminding Leon of a shark. "You're the one who kidnapped Ashley."
"Don't forget the chattie one." Krauser replied with a smile, his hand nimbly twirling the knife around in his hand.
Leon turned and followed his movements with his eyes. His own hand tightened around the grip of the matching combat knife. "You're the anonymous tipper, aren't you? Bringing Chris and Claire in this was a bad move, Jack."
The only visable effect of his first name being used was the tightening of his mouth. "You catch on quick. That's expected. After all, both you and I know where we come from."
Krauser suddenly attacked, just as agile and fast as a cobra. Leon jumped back as the knife barely missed his throat. Leon took the offense and sliced back, along with a thrust up towards Jack's throat. But the large man was quick on the defense as well as he avoided the fatal blows. Gone was the casual demeanor's as the two held their identical combat knives in a defensive posture, each looking for a opening to strike.
"What do you want?"
Krauser's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "Hm.."
Krauser took a step back and attempted to slice Leon open. But the blond easily stepped back, focusing on avoiding that blade. But Krauser suddenly changed position and brought the knife up as Leon did just seconds ago. The change in the attack nearly ended Leon's life then and there. Both resumed their circling one another; identical blades gleaming as the moonlight shined down through the glass windows.
"Heh. The sample Saddler developed, that's all."
Krauser again attacked, this time with a straight thrust. Again, Leon was ready for him, bringing up his blade. Sparks seemed to come from the blades as they noisily rasped against each other. Feeling the strength of the possessor of the knife, Leon quickly circled away. Jack has always been the stronger of the two, but the once rookie cop was the one who possessed speed. Now, it seemed that his old comrade had that too. With the odds against him, Leon knew that he and the others had to get away from this man. Even that seemed nigh impossible.
"Luis!" Claire screamed as his hand slipped even further.
Leon was momentarily distracted, giving his adversary an opening. Quicker then you and I could blink, Krauser cut Leon's arm. Gritting his teeth from the sting, he back flipped out of the way. The scarred man smirked as more of Leon's blood dripped from his knife. Both knew that he could have killed the agent at that moment. But Jack Krauser was making a point in this knife game of who was the superior being, and who had the power.
"You dragged them here just for that?"
Chris stumbled toward his sister, clenching his teeth as he reached down and grabbed Luis's wrist. Together, the siblings managed to pull the dazed Luis back to safety. Now, they could concentrate on taking down this strange enemy. Easy as pie. That is, if you count a man who's large, fast enough to out maneuver bullets, and seemingly the one who's the reason for poor Ashley and Sheila into this mess in the first place easy as pie. In other words, there was no way this big scarred guy was going to be easy to take down.
"W-What happened?" Luis groaned, still seeing everything in double vision mode.
His eyes widened when seeing Krauser and Leon. Specifically Krauser. The American agent didn't have a chance against this freak.
"Oh, I needed Ashley to buy Saddler's trust in me. As for the red head, she has a particular part to play in this script that has nothing to do with the sample. She's the bait."
Krauser growled as he kicked the nearby barrel towards his old partner. Leon kicked it out of the way, then quickly brought up the knife to deflect Krauser's blow. The knives again sparked as both men flipped over to the level down below. Both landed on their feet, then slowly stood up to once again resume the battle of wills.
"It's Wesker, isn't it? He's the one who set all of this up." Leon growled as his blade whistled through the air, slicing Krauser's chest. The soldier looked down at his chest with surprise, then seethed as Leon smirked.
The two tangled again, but quickly broke apart as sparks and the sound of metal meeting filled the silent room. Emotions were now running high.
"What the hell happened to you, Krauser?"
"You mean besides being pushed out of the job because that bi-ch chopped off my arm, infecting me with the T-Veronica virus?" Kruaser growled, running forward to kick Leon's knee. As the athletic blond rolled out of the way, Krauser immediately began to slice and jab at him as if some bored young boy poking fun at some bug with a stick.
"Shoot him! He's going to kill him!" Claire shouted, supporting the still dizzy Luis as Chris aimed at the battling duo.
"I can't! Not without hitting Leon!"
"Don't worry, Leon. When all is said and done, I'm still an American trying to protect and serve his country. I just got a different boss who gave me everything I ever needed."
Both men launched at each other. Leon caught Krauser's hand just before he could get in inch closer to his forehead, twisted it while going for his kidney's with his own blade. Of course, his old friend was just as quick and twisted his wrist as well till both were at a stand still. Blades inches from the others faces, faces close enough to feel each others heated puffs of air. Sweat began to bead on Leon's forehead, trailing down his temple and cheek. The older man chuckled, then lifted his leg and kicked Leon back with enough force to knock the air and knife from him.
Chris began to shoot, his aim true. But all he received for his efforts was an annoyed Jack Krauser as he used his own side arm to shoot the gun from Chris's grasp.
"Well, this is where we say our goodbyes, Kennedy. Don't worry abouth the girls. I'll make sure Umbrella takes good care of them as it did for me."
"Umbrella?"
"Hm. Almost let it slip. No matter. Enough talk, die comrade!"
Krauser leaped down upon his fallen enemy, his knife poised over his neck. Leon kept a hold of Krauser's wrist, using every ounce of his strength from certain death. But even that wasn't enough as the blade slowly inched closer and closer. Chris leaped down, his own knife in hand as he ran over to save his friend. But he didn't need to as another party intervened with a single bullet. The knife flew from Krauser's hand; a red dot resting over his heart. Looking up, he gave a annoyed grunt at the lady in red. Her smoking gun telling him everything he suspected since the start of this strange journey.
"Ada!"
"Well, if it isn't the bit-h in the red dress."
"It looks like we have the upper hand here."
Smirking when now noticing that Luis and Claire were pointing their own weaponry at him as well, Krauser ran and leaped up and landed on a nearby ledge, 20 feet above Leon. No average human would have come close. Peering down at the small band of heroes, Krauser then gave his final threat.
"You may be able to prolong your life, but it's not like you can escape your invitable death, is it?"
Then he was gone, leaving the group alone with Ada Wong.
Luis, Claire, and Ada joined the two silent men. The others eyed the spy with a mixture of awe and wary suspicion.
"You... knew each other?"
Leon grabbed the knife Krauser left behind. "More or less. Maybe it's about time you told me the reason you're here?"
Ada shurgged as she walked past him. "Maybe some other time."
She suddenly paused, then turned and looked at Luis. His gaze shifted away from hers. Then she left as mysteriously as she appeared.
Being one who's been trained to notice every little detail, it didn't take long for our favorite American agent to put two and two together.
"She's the one who convinced yout to steal the sample."
Luis neither denied or confirm the statement.
"In the words of the sexy lady in red, maybe some other time."
Nodding, though in no way pleased, Leon turned and took the lead.
R
The two girls paused as Saddler stopped to speak to one of the Ganados. Neither spoke or made any movement, the parasites still in complete control. And that was more terrifying then facing a hundred zombies. To be locked away and aware of everything, but not in control was terrifying. The longer they were under the influence, the harder it was to fight. And fight they did. But as long as Saddler was their with that ugly, living parasite staff of his, neither could do much but follow the parasites lead, and to listen in on the conversation.
Saddler smiled, looking interested in what his Ganados had to report. Reaching deep inside his religious, ugly, over done robe, he pulled out a radio similar to Leon's. He then removed his hood as he switched on the satellite radio. If Sheila could voice her thoughts, she would have mentioned that the removal of the hood was no way an improvement.
SADDLER: Enjoy the reunion with your old friend?
LEON: As a matter of fact, I did.
SADDLER: Wonderful. I wouldn't want my special guests on the island feeling unattended.
LEON: Guess I'm supposed to thank you, right?
SADDLER: Ah... I have an idea. Since you and your friends are here, why don't I introduce you to 'It'. 'It' should keep you busy.
LEON: Can't remember the name? A senior moment, perhaps.
SADDLER: (laughter) Enjoy the fun.
While Ashley mildly wondered what in the world is a 'It', Sheila was proverbially chewing on her nails with fear and dread. It. Yes, she remember exactly who It is. It was not a fun thing to fight. It majorly sucked. It needed to die. Of course, she knew with the numbers on Leon's side, he could defeat it more easily. Then again, sometimes numbers can get you killed. Which brought to her mind the laser hall. How were they going to get past that?
"Come on, my sweets. Time is of the essance."
Dang, what did she do that was so bad to have Psycho Saddler to give her a pet name? If she was lucky, then maybe she would be the one to use the rocket launcher on the arrogant jerk in the end, instead of Leon.
R
"I have a bad feeling about this," Claire voiced her concern as she and the others looked at the brightly lit hall with dread.
"Kinda sci-fi-ish." Chris commented.
"Da-n! I can't believe I forgot about this!" Luis hissed, running his hands through his dark hair.
"Care to enlighten us?" Leon asked.
"It' a special security system that Saddler had bought from some company on the black market. If the security measure is on, and it should be, then whoever steps inside the hall will be faced with fast moving lasers."
"Lasers? Like James Bond lazors?"
Claire rolled her eyes at her brother's comment.
"Si. It's still in it's beginning stages, but the basic concept is the same. The temperature of the lasers is half the degrees of the sun. So they would slice through your flesh like butter."
"Well, is there some grid around herr for us to turn off the security measures?" Claire asked as she looked around the small room.
"No. It's voice activated by Saddler himself, and some of his top security. They are the only ones who can turn it off... Thought there might be a way."
"Like what? Surviving the lasors and pressing that shiny green button at the end?" Chris asked, heavy on the sarcasm.
"Actualy, yes. That is the only way."
"What?.. You know, sometimes I feel like some game character; forced to endure all these puzzles and traps for some sick adolescents amusement," Chris grumbled.
"You too?" Leon enquired.
After a beat, Claire asked, "So, who's going to be the unlucky one to face certain death?"
Another beat or two went by.
"I'll go." All three heroes announced. Luis kept quiet.
(Hey! The poor guy has the game trying to kill him. Cut him some slack.)
"Leon, you just went through a life and death knife match with that weirdo. And since Claire has that injured leg, and Luis is too chicken-"
"I am not too chi-"
"Plus he has that weird bad luck going on." Claire added.
"I appreciate it Chris, I really do. But let me handle this one. You can handle the next trap of horrors, alright?"
Shrugging, Chris stepped aside, giving Leon room to proceed on.
The others watched in the saftey just outside of the electric sliding door as Leon proceeded on. He left his large case with Chris, leaving him more free to move around in a tight spot.
He heard the sound of crackling as he took a few steps in. Suddenly, these black spots on the side shot out three orange lasor beams. The one horizontal line rolled up and down as the other two vertical lines went side to side quickly. Leon waited, noticing a pattern. After a few seconds, he waited for the large opening when the lines intersected and made a rectangle. He made his move unscathed.
"One down, Leon. Four more to go... I think," Luis announced.
"You think?"
"Well, I'm about ninety percent sure."
Leon ignored that part, concentrating on the next laser death trap.
This time, their were five lines. Vertical, horizontal, criss crossing and moving rather quickly. He waited, calmly watching till he noticed the pattern. This time, for a three second span, an opening in the shape of a triangle appeared. Waiting patiently for the triangle to appear again, Leon took a deep breath and ran through. It was a close one, but again he managed to get through without any injury.
"Keep it up, Kennedy!" Chris encouraged. Other then that, everyone remained quiet as they anticipaited the next one.
Leon stopped as now five lasers intersecting move toward him quickly. They criss crossed, but left a smaller opening mid way. Running forward, Leon torpedoed forward through, nearly getting his legs nicked by the dangerous lasers. He released the air he had been holding, staying in the kneeling position he had landed in. Standing up, he looked behind him and gave the others a thumbs up. Their answer was some shaky smiles. Three down, one to go.
Seeing the door so close at hand, he ran forward, then stopped. Several of those black spots on the walls suddenly gathered, making that crackling sound. Seeing that there would be no opening through the multiple spots that had gathered, the agent plunged on ahead. It wasn't till he was smack in the middle of these death cannons did his instincts scream to duck and cover.
Leon flipped back a couple of times as the lasers came to life. And it didn't stop there. All of the lasers came for him before he could have a chance to blink. Pure instinct (and a smidgen of luck) came into play as Leon somersaulted back perfectly in time as the lazers came, missing him as ever angle of his body moved through the air. He landed flat on his stomach as the last laser swished over him. It's heat felt all over his body as it passed on by.
The jubilation his friends made had him relaxing slightly. He laid there, taking a moment to just gather back his wits.
"That should do it, me amigo!"
"That was just!.. I mean, wow! That was wow!" Claire squealed, boosting Leon's ego even more.
As he stood up, he turned and winked at the impressed young woman. "What can I say? I'm just skilled that way."
"Lucky, Kennedy. You're just plain lucky."
Leon shrugged as he strutted forward. "Yeah... But I'm still skilled... Like a ninja."
"You wish," Chris teased good naturedly.
Leon smirked, pressing the button as he turned to say something back. But what he saw had him paling.
At the entrance where the others still were, lasers covered almost ever inch of the hall. The only free space was the very top while the rest criss crossed in every fashion. Basically, this looked like the end for him.
"Leon!" Claire screamed.
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDIN' ME!
But this was no joke, especially since the lasers were coming toward him rapidly. Grasping for straws, Leon ran toward the lasers. The others screamed at him, thinking that he either went suicidal or actually thought he was that skinny. But Leon S. Kennedy isn't one you should ever underestimate. He proved that by his next move.
He turned away just before he ran into the lasers reach and ran back toward the end of the hall. He used his momentum to jump and run up the door and into the air as the lasers sweeped underneath him, senging one of his blond locks as he leaped backward over them.
Everyone was silent. Leon just stood there, his back to the others. Nobody moved...
Turning around, Leon looked at the others and said, "Again, tell me Luis. How many was I supposed to face again?"
Luis nervously chuckled. "I did say I was about ninety percent sure."
Claire was the first to run forward and join the agent, giving him a huge, bear hug. Leon grinned, enjoying the female appreciation of his skills. He mentally thought to himself how luck had nothing to do with his awesome moves. As the auther, I'll leave that up to you guys.
"Chris?" Luis snapped his fingers in front of the taller man's eyes. Blinking, Chris shook his head.
"That was... Did you see?... I can't believe... Wow."
"My thoughts exactly, amigo. But I don't think we should let him know that. His ego is being stroked enough by your luscious sister... Some men get all the luck."
"What?" Chris looked at the pair in the hall, and scowled. "Keep those hands above the south pole, Kennedy!"
Luis snickered as they joined the other two to proceed on. The still scowling older Redfeild gave Leon's case back to him as they entered the next room.
The room was almost completely dark, lit up by red and orange lights, with some of the waning moonlight from the sky lights above.
"This is just so creepy." Claire grumbled.
Luis strolled forward. "Welcome to Saddler's throne room."
"Somehow, I pictured him having a huge golden chair for his throne," Chris replied. "Like his evil midget did, Salazar."
"That's evil, little, person, Chris." Claire chastised.
Leon sat down in the chair, crossing his legs as he rested his cheek on his fist. He gave a devilish smirk and said, "It's good to be king."
"Alright, Mel Brooks. Can we go now?"
Snorting at Chris's impatience, Leon got up and moved to the sliding door behind the throne. Chris quickly sat in the chair, taking out the Salazar crown out of his case and placing it on his head.
"Ah, yes. It does feel good to be king."
"CHRIS!"
Sighing at his sister's screech, he placed the crown back and joined the others on the really, really small elevator. And that my friends, is the end of this chapter. Sorry it's short, but it's really late and I'm tired. In the meantime, think about the up coming battle with... IT! Dun! Dun! Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!
A/N: The poll for which theory for the merchant you want to win is still in place! GO vote... Well, review first, then vote! And don't forget, if you don't review and vote, 'It' will be paying you a visit! Muah! Ha ha ha haaaaaa!... Kidding! Sheesh!